Rowan Knitting & Crocheting Magazine 58: A Review (Part 1)

Rowan has published issue Rowan Knitting & Crochet Magazine, issue 58. Let's take a look at it, shall we? Or rather, let's take a look at the first half of it. As there are 39 patterns in it, I will be splitting the review into two parts, with the second half to be published tomorrow.

Colonsay. The stitchwork in this crocheted jacket is awesome, but I do wish it had a better shape.

Fingle. Nice piece. Varying the widths of stripes and using a sophisticated colour palette always does raise the basic striped sweater to a whole new level.

Scilly. Speaking of raising the striped sweater to a whole new level, this designer has incorporated an unusual texture, gorgeous yarns, and great shaping to make a really lovely piece.

Eddystone. Lovely classic menswear piece.

Ulva. Nice jacket. It has a vintage-y appeal.

Anglesley. A very attractive new twist on the Fair Isle sweater.

Guernsey. This one is a Kaffe Fassett design, and it's visually striking while still being something even quite a conservative man would wear.

Mersea. Really good texture in this one, though the colourway is a little lacklustre.

Hayling. This is attractive except for the cropped length, which throws the proportions off.

Unst. The Fair Isle pattern here is good, but the sweater is so large it's overwhelming the model. The dropped shoulders and oddly placed pockets aren't helping.

Lindisfarne. This is perhaps a little busy. I'd work the middle panel as directed and nix the "reverse Fair Isle" stitchwork used on the body in favour of something plainer.

Alderney. What a lovely leaf motif. The shaping is good too.

Sark Wrap. Nice piece, but it would look better on a couch.

Yell. A slightly variegated yarn gives this simple ribbed sweater more interest.

Jersey Hat and Scarf. The subtle stripe of the yarn used is what makes this otherwise basic set.

Gale Pattern. Love the slip stitch effect used here, but I would definitely raise the dropped shoulders and add waist shaping. This piece is terribly unflattering even on the model.

Iceberg. The cabled pattern and the yarns used here are lovely, but this is another design that could do with reshaping.

Blustery. Classic cabled pullover. And I promise you that there's no need to liven up a classic piece like this by going with David-Bowie-in-Labyrinth hair. You can have more faith in a classic cabled sweater than that. Really.

Glacier. These larger cables make for a new twist on the classic cabled pullover.

Nippy. Love this classic turtleneck, which looks luxuriously comfortable.